Events_________
Time: 09:30 – 10:30
Venue: Grand Ballroom
Session: Inaugural Session
Time: 11:00 – 12:20
Venue: Grand Ballroom
Session Title: Shifting Tides: The Impact of Trump’s America on Asia and the Global South
Studio Session
Time: 11:00 to 11:30
Search for Peace in the Middle East
Time: 12:20 - 12:30
Venue: Grand Ballroom
Ministerial Speech
Ali Imam Majumder, Adviser, Ministry of Food, Interim Government of Bangladesh
Time: 12:30 - 13:50
Venue: Grand Ballroom
Session Title: From Crisis to Opportunity: Redefining Climate Leadership in a Changing World
Studio Session
Time: 12:00 to 12:30
Human Development: the importance of ensuring Health, Education, and Prosperity for all
Time: 13:50 – 14:00
Venue: Grand Ballroom
Ministerial Speech
M. Sakhawat Hussain, Adviser, Ministry of Shipping; Ministry of Labor and Employment, Interim Government of Bangladesh
Studio Session
Time: 13:00 to 13:30
States of Fragility: Charting a Path Through Democratic Crisis
Time: 15:00 – 16:10
Venue: Grand Ballroom
Session Title: Resilient Banking, Inclusive Growth: Tackling Inequality and Poverty in a Divided World
Special Session
Venue: Padma
Time: 15:00 – 17:00
Roundtable (Closed Door - Media Only)
Bridging Divides: Navigating the Complexities of India-Bangladesh Relations
Studio Session
Time: 15:00 to 15:30
Title: European Escalation and its Asian Fallout
Studio Session Time: 16:00 to 16:30
Title: Development with Accountability: How to Ensure Development Projects are People-Centric
Time: 16:10 – 16:20
Venue: Grand Ballroom
Ministerial Speech
Asif Nazrul, Adviser, Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs; Ministry of Expatriates Welfare and Overseas Employment, Bangladesh
Time: 17:00 to 17:30
Pillars of Progress: How to Combine Sustainable Growth, Infrastructure Development, and Cross-Border Collaboration Time: 16:20 – 17:30
Venue: Grand Ballroom
Truth in the Crossfire: Navigating Journalism in the Age of Disinformation
Venue: Grand Ballroom
Session: Inaugural Session
Time: 11:00 – 12:20
Venue: Grand Ballroom
Session Title: Shifting Tides: The Impact of Trump’s America on Asia and the Global South
Studio Session
Time: 11:00 to 11:30
Search for Peace in the Middle East
Time: 12:20 - 12:30
Venue: Grand Ballroom
Ministerial Speech
Ali Imam Majumder, Adviser, Ministry of Food, Interim Government of Bangladesh
Time: 12:30 - 13:50
Venue: Grand Ballroom
Session Title: From Crisis to Opportunity: Redefining Climate Leadership in a Changing World
Studio Session
Time: 12:00 to 12:30
Human Development: the importance of ensuring Health, Education, and Prosperity for all
Time: 13:50 – 14:00
Venue: Grand Ballroom
Ministerial Speech
M. Sakhawat Hussain, Adviser, Ministry of Shipping; Ministry of Labor and Employment, Interim Government of Bangladesh
Studio Session
Time: 13:00 to 13:30
States of Fragility: Charting a Path Through Democratic Crisis
Time: 15:00 – 16:10
Venue: Grand Ballroom
Session Title: Resilient Banking, Inclusive Growth: Tackling Inequality and Poverty in a Divided World
Special Session
Venue: Padma
Time: 15:00 – 17:00
Roundtable (Closed Door - Media Only)
Bridging Divides: Navigating the Complexities of India-Bangladesh Relations
Studio Session
Time: 15:00 to 15:30
Title: European Escalation and its Asian Fallout
Studio Session Time: 16:00 to 16:30
Title: Development with Accountability: How to Ensure Development Projects are People-Centric
Time: 16:10 – 16:20
Venue: Grand Ballroom
Ministerial Speech
Asif Nazrul, Adviser, Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs; Ministry of Expatriates Welfare and Overseas Employment, Bangladesh
Time: 17:00 to 17:30
Pillars of Progress: How to Combine Sustainable Growth, Infrastructure Development, and Cross-Border Collaboration Time: 16:20 – 17:30
Venue: Grand Ballroom
Truth in the Crossfire: Navigating Journalism in the Age of Disinformation
Time: 09:30 – 10:30
Venue: Surma
Conversation over Tea (By Invitation Only)
Money Trails and Broken Promises: Fighting Corruption in Public Service
Conversation over Tea (By Invitation Only)
Venue: Meghna
Choking on Progress: Air Quality and Fossil Fuel Dilemmas in a Growing Indo-Pacific
Time: 11:00 – 11:20
Venue: Grand Ballroom
Special Address
Moussa Mara, Former Prime Minister of Mali; Member, Club de Madrid
Studio Session
Time: 11:00 to 11:30
The Future is Green: Exploring the Potential of Startups in Alternative Energy Solutions
Time: 11:20 – 12:40
Venue: Grand Ballroom
Turbulent Waters: Navigating Maritime Security in a Divided Indo-Pacific
Studio Session
Time: 12:00 to 12:30
Cost of Development: Leveraging International Trade to Fight Poverty
Time: 12:40-14:00
Venue: Grand Ballroom
Power Shifts: The Geopolitical Chessboard in a Fragmented World
Studion Session Time: 13:00 to 13:30
Essential Policies and Reforms for Fighting Corruption
Time: 15:00 Venue: Grand Ballroom
Ambassadorial Reflections
Pranay Verma, Indian High Commissioner in Bangladesh
Special Session
Roundtable (Closed Door - Media Only)
SAARC and Beyond: New Pathways for South Asian Unity and Cooperation
Studio Session
Time: 13:00 to 13:30
Essential Policies and Reforms for Fighting Corruption
Time: 15:10 – 16:30
Venue: Grand Ballroom
Breaking the News: Freedom of the Press vs. Weaponised Information
Time: 16:30 – 16:40
Venue: Grand Ballroom
Ambassadorial Reflections
Yousef S. Y. Ramadan, Palestine Ambassador in Bangladesh
Studio Session
Time: 17:00 to 17:30
Displaced: Unresolved Fates of Refugees Across the World
Time: 16:40 – 17:30
Venue: Grand Ballroom
Fortifying Institutions in an Age of Populism: Strategies for Democratic Resilience and Integrity
Time: 18:30 – 20:00
Venue: Surma
Symposia (By Invitation Only)
Beyond the Belt and Road: China’s Strategic Ambitions and the Future of BRICS
Venue: Meghna
Symposia (By Invitation Only)
Emerging Threats: Hybrid Warfare and the Future of Global Security
Time:18:30 – 20:00
Town Hall
Investing in Tomorrow: The Future of FDI in Bangladesh’s Evolving Economy
Venue: Surma
Conversation over Tea (By Invitation Only)
Money Trails and Broken Promises: Fighting Corruption in Public Service
Conversation over Tea (By Invitation Only)
Venue: Meghna
Choking on Progress: Air Quality and Fossil Fuel Dilemmas in a Growing Indo-Pacific
Time: 11:00 – 11:20
Venue: Grand Ballroom
Special Address
Moussa Mara, Former Prime Minister of Mali; Member, Club de Madrid
Studio Session
Time: 11:00 to 11:30
The Future is Green: Exploring the Potential of Startups in Alternative Energy Solutions
Time: 11:20 – 12:40
Venue: Grand Ballroom
Turbulent Waters: Navigating Maritime Security in a Divided Indo-Pacific
Studio Session
Time: 12:00 to 12:30
Cost of Development: Leveraging International Trade to Fight Poverty
Time: 12:40-14:00
Venue: Grand Ballroom
Power Shifts: The Geopolitical Chessboard in a Fragmented World
Studion Session Time: 13:00 to 13:30
Essential Policies and Reforms for Fighting Corruption
Time: 15:00 Venue: Grand Ballroom
Ambassadorial Reflections
Pranay Verma, Indian High Commissioner in Bangladesh
Special Session
Roundtable (Closed Door - Media Only)
SAARC and Beyond: New Pathways for South Asian Unity and Cooperation
Studio Session
Time: 13:00 to 13:30
Essential Policies and Reforms for Fighting Corruption
Time: 15:10 – 16:30
Venue: Grand Ballroom
Breaking the News: Freedom of the Press vs. Weaponised Information
Time: 16:30 – 16:40
Venue: Grand Ballroom
Ambassadorial Reflections
Yousef S. Y. Ramadan, Palestine Ambassador in Bangladesh
Studio Session
Time: 17:00 to 17:30
Displaced: Unresolved Fates of Refugees Across the World
Time: 16:40 – 17:30
Venue: Grand Ballroom
Fortifying Institutions in an Age of Populism: Strategies for Democratic Resilience and Integrity
Time: 18:30 – 20:00
Venue: Surma
Symposia (By Invitation Only)
Beyond the Belt and Road: China’s Strategic Ambitions and the Future of BRICS
Venue: Meghna
Symposia (By Invitation Only)
Emerging Threats: Hybrid Warfare and the Future of Global Security
Time:18:30 – 20:00
Town Hall
Investing in Tomorrow: The Future of FDI in Bangladesh’s Evolving Economy
Time: 09:30 – 10:30
Venue: Surma
Conversation over Tea (By Invitation Only)
Silenced: The Rise of Internet Shutdowns in a Divided World
Time: 09:30 – 10:30
Venue: Meghna
Conversation over Tea (By Invitation Only)
Learning for Liberty: Education as a Pillar of Democracy and Human Rights
Time: 09:30 – 10:30
Conversation over Tea (By Invitation Only)
Venue: Chitra
Defending the Defenders: Solutions for a Safer World for Human Rights Advocates
Time: 09:30 – 10:30
Conversation over Tea (By Invitation Only)
Venue: Padma
The Great Game Reloaded: Power, Policy, and Partnerships in the Indo-Pacific
Time: 11:00 – 12:40
Venue: Grand Ballroom
Driving Decarbonization in Bangladesh: The Strategic Role of Corporate Power Purchase Agreements
Studio Session
Time: 11:00 to 11:30
Redefining Diplomacy in a Divided World
Studio Session Time: 12:00 to 12:30
How to Ensure Regional Integration in Asia
Time: 12:40 – 14:00
Venue: Grand Ballroom
The Human Cost of Progress: Rights as Pillars of Sustainable Development
Studio Session
Time: 13:00 to 13:30
Misinformation, Propaganda, and the State of Media Literacy Across the World
Time: 15:00 – 15:10
Venue: Grand Ballroom
Speed Talks
Debapriya Bhattacharya, Distinguished Fellow, Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD)
Studio Session
Time: 15:00 to 15:30
Democracy Under Construction: How to Ensuring Progress and Inclusivity
Time: 15:10 – 16:20
Venue: Grand Ballroom
Narratives of Hope: Media, Civil Society, and the Pursuit of Peace
Studio Session
Time: 16:00 to 16:30
In Search of Stability: Navigating Geopolitical and Economic Tensions in Asia
Time: 16:20 – 16:30
Venue: Grand Ballroom
Ambassadorial Reflections
Syed Ahmed Maroof, Pakistan High Commissioner in Bangladesh
Time:16:30 – 17:40
Venue: Grand Ballroom
Beyond Aid: New Models of Collaboration between the Global North and South
Studio Session
Time: 17:00 to 17:30
Ease of Doing Business in a World Divided
Venue: Surma
Conversation over Tea (By Invitation Only)
Silenced: The Rise of Internet Shutdowns in a Divided World
Time: 09:30 – 10:30
Venue: Meghna
Conversation over Tea (By Invitation Only)
Learning for Liberty: Education as a Pillar of Democracy and Human Rights
Time: 09:30 – 10:30
Conversation over Tea (By Invitation Only)
Venue: Chitra
Defending the Defenders: Solutions for a Safer World for Human Rights Advocates
Time: 09:30 – 10:30
Conversation over Tea (By Invitation Only)
Venue: Padma
The Great Game Reloaded: Power, Policy, and Partnerships in the Indo-Pacific
Time: 11:00 – 12:40
Venue: Grand Ballroom
Driving Decarbonization in Bangladesh: The Strategic Role of Corporate Power Purchase Agreements
Studio Session
Time: 11:00 to 11:30
Redefining Diplomacy in a Divided World
Studio Session Time: 12:00 to 12:30
How to Ensure Regional Integration in Asia
Time: 12:40 – 14:00
Venue: Grand Ballroom
The Human Cost of Progress: Rights as Pillars of Sustainable Development
Studio Session
Time: 13:00 to 13:30
Misinformation, Propaganda, and the State of Media Literacy Across the World
Time: 15:00 – 15:10
Venue: Grand Ballroom
Speed Talks
Debapriya Bhattacharya, Distinguished Fellow, Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD)
Studio Session
Time: 15:00 to 15:30
Democracy Under Construction: How to Ensuring Progress and Inclusivity
Time: 15:10 – 16:20
Venue: Grand Ballroom
Narratives of Hope: Media, Civil Society, and the Pursuit of Peace
Studio Session
Time: 16:00 to 16:30
In Search of Stability: Navigating Geopolitical and Economic Tensions in Asia
Time: 16:20 – 16:30
Venue: Grand Ballroom
Ambassadorial Reflections
Syed Ahmed Maroof, Pakistan High Commissioner in Bangladesh
Time:16:30 – 17:40
Venue: Grand Ballroom
Beyond Aid: New Models of Collaboration between the Global North and South
Studio Session
Time: 17:00 to 17:30
Ease of Doing Business in a World Divided
About BoBC 2024
As the year of elections comes to a close, the third edition of the Bay of Bengal conversation witnesses a world that is fractured unlike ever before. It is estimated that more than half of humankind exercised their democratic right to choose their leaders. However, it is unclear if the global phenomenon of democratic backsliding will be finally alleviated or if the rise of authoritarianism will continue unchecked. More...
Inaugural Speaker
Dr. Muhammad Yunus
Chief Adviser of the Interim Government of BangladeshBooklet
16 - 18
November
2024
Pan Pacific Sonargaon
Dhaka, Bangladesh
Dhaka, Bangladesh
Agenda_________
This year’s Bay of Bengal Conversation will feature a deep dive into contemporary issues divided into five key thematic pillars of conversation:
Press freedom is perhaps one of the most crucial factors in safeguarding democracy in the contemporary world. The sample case of Bangladesh serves as the ideal example of what role independent journalism can play in removing an authoritarian regime. The UN has continuously reiterated that media freedom is one of the pillars of democratic society and points out the duty of journalists to inform the public and make the authorities responsible to them. On the other hand, however, journalists are getting more and more of these threats, which are, for example, physical violence, legal intimidation, and speech restrictions. The advent of the digital age has exacerbated these difficulties, transforming the internet into a dual-edged sword that enables unrestricted expression while also facilitating the dissemination of false information. Nations globally are called upon to safeguard media freedom, particularly in periods of upheaval and change, recognizing that an unfettered press is vital for a society’s vitality. Guaranteeing media freedom is a complex taskrequiring the involvement of state authorities, community organizations, and global entities to allow the public access to reliable news and journalists to perform their duties without fear of attack. The main issue of disinformation is that it misinforms the public and creates social discord. The resolution of these challenges is a precondition for the press’s credibility and the success of democracies all over the planet.
The global energy dilemma is complex, encompassing the urgency to curtail greenhouse gas emissions and the imperative to overcome energy scarcity. There is a pressing need for large-scale, secure, and eco-friendly energy solutions that are economically viable, as alternatives to fossil fuels are currently insufficient. This deficiency manifests in two critical issues: the detrimental environmental effects due to elevated carbon emissions in affluent countries and the struggle for energy availability in less prosperous areas. The United Nations advocates for the adoption of renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power, which have minimal greenhouse gas emissions and are increasingly cost-effective. The role of renewable energy is crucial for a more secure future, providing an escape from the dependency on fossil fuels, which are major contributors to global greenhouse gas emissions. The shift to renewable energy is not solely an ecological necessity but also an economic one, as it frequently represents the most affordable energy option in various regions worldwide. Furthermore, embracing renewable energy can address additional societal concerns, including air pollution and health complications stemming from the use of fossil fuels. Transitioning to green energy also enhances energy security by lessening reliance on imported fuels and reducing susceptibility to geopolitical disturbances.
Nonetheless, expanding these renewable energy sources to fulfil worldwide needs is a challenge. Realizing this vision requires substantial investments in clean energy infrastructure, along with supportive policies and global collaboration. The journey ahead is formidable, yet the rewards of transitioning to green energy are evident and achievable through united efforts and ingenuity.
For 2024, specialists have forecasted a substantial surge in worldwide commerce, with the potential to more than double the previous year’s figures. This positive projection is attributed to factors such as subdued inflation rates, a strong US economy, and a general uptick in economic activities. Nevertheless, the global economic landscape is not without its challenges, which pose a threat to this anticipated growth. The disparity between developed nations and emerging markets is a persistent issue. Leading international organizations like the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), and the World Trade Organization (WTO) are all predicting an increase in global trade activity. For example, the OECD projects a growth in trade of goods and services by 2.3% in 2024 and 3.3% in 2025, marking a considerable improvement from the 1% growth recorded in 2023. This follows a period of deceleration in global trade, which was impacted by rising interest rates, escalating prices, and a plateau in demand. Inflation has been a significant concern across economies globally, but it is expected to subside, potentially leading central banks to reduce interest rates. However, real interest rates are anticipated to stay above neutral levels, influencing borrowing costs and investment choices.
The IMF’s World Economic Outlook predicts a consistent economic expansion of 3.2% for both 2024 and 2025, with a modest increase for advanced economies and a slightly lower growth rate for emerging and developing economies. Emerging markets have experienced a notable rise in their contribution to global trade, with China now accounting for 15% of all global exports. Commerce for unfinished products, components, and services, representing 70% of all trade, has significantly propelled this growth. The BRICS nations have especially gained from this trend, with their share in total global trade experiencing a remarkable increase in recent times. The present condition of global trade is also shaped by the residual effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, which severely disrupted trade patterns, and the ongoing impact of geopolitical conflicts, such as the conflict in Ukraine. These factors have increased energy and food costs, increasing interest rates and economic instability. Tackling these issues necessitates a comprehensive strategy, including reforming global trade to foster sustainable, resilient, and equitable growth. As the global trade framework continues to evolve, it is imperative to ensure that trade regulations are equitable and adapt to the global economy shifts, focusing on areas where multilateral trade regulations are in place and where substantial barriers and state subsidies impede international competition.
The persistent conflict between Israel and Palestine has consequences that ripple well beyond their borders. The recent intensification of hostilities has prompted a notable hike in global oil prices, with crude oil reaching approximately $90 per barrel. This increase exerts pressure on the global economy, especially affecting nations that depend heavily on oil imports. Historically, the conflict has been a source of heightened geopolitical strain and humanitarian distress, marked by a significant number of casualties and forced relocations. It also poses challenges to international trade, as disturbances may necessitate longer, more expensive shipping routes. Additionally, there has been an uptick in worldwide antisemitism and Islamophobia, underscoring the conflict’s influence on societal harmony and intergroup relations. In addition, the past year witnessed intense conflicts in Europe and growing strains among major global powers, including the US and China, over Taiwan, with ongoing risks of confrontation in areas like the Korean peninsula and between Iran and Israel. The widespread use of drones and other advanced technologies has further escalated the number of deaths due to conflict and intensified geopolitical rivalry. These trends indicate the potential emergence of a multipolar or divided global order, which could lead to a phase of instability and a moderate risk of worldwide calamities. In facing these challenges, it is essential for the international community to remain well-informed and actively involved. Addressing the root causes and exploring viable resolutions to conflicts necessitates a comprehensive strategy that encompasses political, economic, and social aspects. Through such a holistic perspective, individuals and countries can strive to cultivate a more secure and harmonious international environment.
The Human Rights Watch’s World Report 2024 sheds light on pressing human rights issues, pinpointing the concealment of wartime crimes, selective indignation by governments, and a transactional foreign policy that overlooks the plight of disenfranchised communities. Persistent conflicts in Ukraine, Myanmar, Ethiopia, and the Sahel inflict profound distress, with climate change further aggravating the plight of countless individuals, notably in Bangladesh, Libya, and Canada. The global rise in economic disparity is stoking dissatisfaction with policies that leave numerous people in dire straits. The persecution of women, girls, and LGBT+ individuals is intensifying in several regions, exemplified by the Taliban’s gender-based oppression in Afghanistan. These crises demand a unified, principled approach anchored in the international human rights framework and legal principles established by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights 75 years ago. The report from Human Rights Watch signals a worldwide downturn in human rights, with an uptick in wartime atrocities, the stifling of human rights advocates, and governmental assaults on the foundational principles and laws of universal human rights. Amnesty International’s report, covering 155 nations, interlinks global and regional dilemmas and their prospective impact. The US has imposed sanctions on human rights violators and backed international judicial systems, but it has also supplied military aid to nations with dubious human rights records. In India, UN specialists have called for remedial measures to safeguard human rights and halt assaults on minority groups, underscoring issues such as violence, hate crimes, and bias as major concerns. Tackling these challenges necessitates a collective endeavour from all parties involved, including state authorities, civil society, and global institutions. The defence of human rights is not merely a moral obligation but also a crucial element for the advancement and stability of the world.
Keynote Speaker
n/a